This 7-day Western Islands cruise aboard La Pinta explores the islands of Isabela, Santa Cruz, Rabida and more. Enjoy viewing wildlife including marine iguanas or the Sally Lightfoot crab.
Highlights
Snorkel around Champion Islet
View lava how flows and mangrove forests
Hike across the rocky coast of North Seymour Island
Play with sea lions in the shallows of a turquoise lagoon
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Your adventure begins with a morning flight to Baltra Island and an immediate transfer to the dock to board Yacht La Pinta. There’s an introductory welcome briefing, boat drill, and cabin assignment followed by lunch.
Following an afternoon disembarkation, enjoy a walk along the coast and the interior of this beautiful flat island, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and land iguanas. There are opportunities for coastal exploration by dinghy. Evening briefing, welcome cocktail, and dinner.
Day 2: Punta Vicente Roca, Isabela | Punta Espinoza, Fernandina
Since there is no landing site at this location, the coastal exploration is by skiff, while naturalists explain the dramatic geology of the area, with remains of lava flows and tuff stone layers. There is abundant wildlife and, depending on the conditions of the ocean, we’ll be able to snorkel along the cliffs, hopefully in the company of green sea turtles.
Aquatic Activities: Panga Ride, Snorkeling
In the afternoon, visit the youngest and most pristine island of the archipelago, Fernandina, one of many visitors' all-time favorites. Punta Espinoza has an amazing combination of barrenness and abundant wildlife. Highlights include hawks, penguins, flightless cormorants, and astounding views of the surrounding volcanic landscapes.
After breakfast, disembark at Urbina Bay, on the western side of Isabela Island, the result of an uplifting of the ocean floor. Here you can see corals, shells, and large and very colorful Galapagos land iguanas, as well as (occasionally) giant tortoises. Navigating the Bolívar Channel, there are good chances of spotting several species of whales.
Aquatic Activities: Beach, Swimming
On the northwest of Isabela, secluded Tagus Cove provided a favorite anchorage for pirates and whalers over the centuries, and today makes a great visitor site. An uphill hike takes you to the back of Darwin Crater, filled with salt water. You can snorkel or ride kayaks amid the dramatic landscape before going on your hike.
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Panga Ride, Kayaking
In the morning, disembark at Rabida Island’s red-colored beach. A stroll along the beach allows you to observe marine iguanas, mockingbirds, yellow warblers, and several species of Darwin’s finches. This is a great place to snorkel from the beach. For non-snorkelers, you can ride a glass-bottom boat for an exploration of life underneath the waves.
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Glass-bottom boat, Beach, Swimming
The north shore of Santa Cruz hosts the fascinating landscapes of Dragon Hill. Your walk includes circling a brackish water lagoon frequented by lagoon birds, while further inland, the trail offers a beautiful view of the bay and the western islands of the archipelago, as well as the chance to observe land iguanas.
Day 5: Puerto Ayora & Charles Darwin Research Station | Highlands, Santa Cruz
The morning visit heads to the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest. These are the Galapagos' headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation, and the National Park administration. Following your visit, drive up to the highlands of Santa Cruz for lunch.
The highlands of Santa Cruz Island are another world entirely from the drier coast, lush and green due to the heavier rainfall they receive. This is a great place to look for the emblematic Darwin’s Finches and the endemic Scalesia trees. The highlands are also excellent for exploring the exuberant vegetation where giant tortoises roam in the wild. Visit a giant tortoise reserve to meet these lumbering giants up close. There’s more time to explore more of this fascinating ecosystem, before returning to the yacht at the end of the day.
Day 6: Post Office Bay | Champion Islet & Punta Cormorant, Floreana
After breakfast, panga ride along the maze of channels on Floreana’s north shore. Follow this visit by continuing to Baroness Cove with its breathtaking views of Floreana. Land at Post Office Bay to visit the historic barrel that has been serving as a post office in the archipelago for over two centuries. Kayaking and some snorkeling can be arranged here.
Aquatic Activities: Panga Ride, Kayaking, Beach, Swimming
Before disembarking at Punta Cormorant you can snorkel or ride a glass-bottom boat along the coast of an extinct cone called "Champion Islet". Later in the afternoon, your visit to Punta Cormorant takes in an olivine-crystal beach for an easy walk by a brackish water lagoon where bird species like greater flamingos may be observed. On the other side of the island, you come to a white-sand beach where sea turtles come out at night to nest.
Aquatic Activities: Snorkeling, Glass-bottom boat
Day 7: Baltra | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your journey ends at Baltra Island, where you transfer to the airport to take the flight back to the mainland. Baltra's flat substrate (due to its uplifted origin) is the reason why the island was chosen back in the 1940s as the location for building an airport.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$7,867
Select a Date
Luxury Cabin
There are 20 Luxury Cabins on the Upper deck. They include twin beds which can be converted into a double bed and private bath facilities.
Select a Date
Luxury Plus/Triple Cabin
There are 4 Luxury Plus/Triple Cabins on the Upper deck. They include twin beds which can be converted into a double bed, a sleeper sofa and private bath facilities.
Notes
Please provide your wetsuit size in advance prior to the trip
During Peak Season dates, Metropolitan Touring reserves the right to prioritize reservations taking into account factors such as payment and confirmation dates.
Metropolitan Touring reserves the right to limit the number of twin/double cabins for single use depending on availability.
If more cabins are needed for single use, twin/double cabins have a 100% surcharge when used as singles. Please check availability first.
Luxury Plus Cabins(4) for twin/double use incur a 50% surcharge per person.
Regardless of the number of cabins occupied, the ship's authorized maximum operating capacity cannot exceed 48 guests.
Child Discount
10% discount for children under the age of 12 at time of Galapagos cruise. Child discounts are conditional and may not apply on certain departures. Please contact us for more information.
Children under 12 may receive discounts on Galapagos flight fares and entrance fees. Contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 25% (30% during peak season) + Internal Flight Cost, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 (130 during peak season) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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